FORREST BEACH SLSC ANNUAL DINNER CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING SEASON AND HONOURS LIFE MEMBERS

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club came together on Saturday night for its Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation, celebrating the close of another successful season and recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of its members.

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Held during National Volunteers Week, the evening carried extra significance, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in the ongoing success of the club.

Club members, families, and supporters gathered to acknowledge excellence across all areas of the organisation, from junior nippers through to senior and master competitors, as well as patrol and service contributions.

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Award recipients for the season included:

Nipper Junior Female Club Champion: Thea Higgs
Nipper Junior Male Club Champion: Slade Higgs
ipper Senior Male Club Champion: Antwoine Schlapfer
Special Mentions (Surf Sports): Evie Gibson & Thomas Martin
Junior Club Person of the Year: Stephen Hall
Nipper Encouragement Awards: Mackenzie Scobie & Thain Wilson
U17 Club Champion: Leshawn Bann
Open Club Champion: Mike Waia
Masters Club Champion: Michael Chiesa
Jason Callow Memorial “Club Spirit” Award: Wendell Bowen
Most Patrol Hours (Male): Michael Biasi
Most Patrol Hours (Female): Helen Stanton
Dedication to the Club Award: Keith & Nicole Amos
Club Person of the Year: Michael Biasi
Vigilance & Service Award: Lenny Chiesa & Helen Stanton
Life Membership: Helen Stanton & Melissa Hall

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The club also proudly recognised its newest Life Members, Helen Stanton and Melissa Hall, for their exceptional dedication, commitment, and long-standing service to Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

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Helen Stanton has been a member for 12 years, joining when her daughters became nippers. Over time she has become one of the club’s strongest advocates, contributing extensively as an active patrolling member and through a wide range of leadership roles including Director of Surf Sports, Chief Training Officer, Junior Activities Chair, Grants Officer and Secretary. Her ongoing commitment has had a lasting impact on both the club and its members. Helen’s contribution has been strongly supported by her husband Luke, also an active patrolling member, with both playing an important role in supporting the club on and off the beach.

Melissa Hall also has deep family ties to the club, with her parents Lenny and Pam Chiesa both Life Members. One of five siblings who began as nippers, Melissa went on to represent Forrest Beach at branch, state and national levels and was crowned the 2005 Queensland Summer Surf Girl, serving as an ambassador for Surf Life Saving Queensland. She continues her involvement today as an active patrolling member, Junior Activities Chair and Publicity Officer, with her five children also now involved in the club.

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Together, Helen and Melissa have played a significant role in the growth and strength of the club, with Melissa’s achievement marking a unique milestone for the Chiesa family, with her parents Lenny and Pam Chiesa also being Life Members of the club.

Life Memberships were presented by Life Member Billy Johnson and Club President Scott Gibson.

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The club extended its congratulations to all award recipients and expressed sincere appreciation to all members, families, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to a successful season. A special acknowledgment was also given to the Executive Committee for their ongoing behind-the-scenes work.

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club now looks forward to the next season with enthusiasm and pride in its strong community and volunteer base.

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(Contributed with thanks by Melissa Chiesa)

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